About

Pedro Zavala, PT, DPT, SCS, is a residency-trained, board-certified sports clinical specialist. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and completed a Sports Physical Therapy Residency at Gundersen Health Systems. Pedro’s sports and orthopedic training allow him to provide individualized, evidence-based patient care by combining the latest research, rehabilitation principles, and strength and conditioning concepts. His background includes working with athletes and active individuals of all ages with varying skill level and musculoskeletal pathologies. In addition to being a clinician, he is a teaching assistant at the University of Minnesota in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Doctor of Physical Therapy Division. He also collaborates with the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse Institute for Movement Sciences in lieu of gaining a deeper understanding of orthopedic pathologies in both athletic and recreational populations.

Education

Sports Physical Therapy Resident, Gundersen Health Systems – Medical Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Wisconsin – Madison
Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science, University of Wisconsin – La Crosse

Professional Certification

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS)
Functional Dry Needling Level 1, Evidence in Motion
Emergency Response for the Athlete (ERA), Cogent Steps LLC

Professional Affiliations

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy (AASPT)
American Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy (AAOPT)
Minnesota Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (MNAPTA)
University of Wisconsin – La Crosse (Researcher)
University of Wisconsin – Madison (Policy and Admissions Committee Member)

Achievements & Awards

TCO Rising Star Award (2023)
APTA – WI Student Emerging Leader Award (2021)
Wisconsin Physical Therapy Award Recipient (2020)

Publications

Zavala P, Vannatta CN, Kernozek TW, Rutherford DN. Dynamic postural control in injured collegiate cross-country runners is not associated with running-related injury [published online ahead of print, 2023 Jun 9]. Gait Posture. 2023;104:77-82. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.06.002

Zavala P, Conway M, Vannatta CN, Zebell SJ, Davies GJ. Anterior Cruciate Ligament: Rehabilitation and Return to Play. In Brumitt J. Jobst EE, eds. (Physical Therapy Case Files Orthopaedics. 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill; 2023.)

Kliethermes, S. A., Stiffler-Joachim, M. R., Wille, C. M., Sanfilippo, J. L., Zavala, P., & Heiderscheit, B. C. (2021). Lower step rate is associated with a higher risk of bone stress injury: a prospective study of collegiate cross country runners. British journal of sports medicine, bjsports-2020-103833. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-103833

Steinkamp L, Deuel D, Lucre M, Zavala P. The Interplay of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Addressing Health Inequities. WMJ. 2021;120(S1):S54-S58.

 

Professional Presentations:

DPT Residency Showcase: Neuroplasticity Following Injury and the Implications on the Return to Sport Continuum. Sponsored by APTA-WI. Pewaukee, WI. April 28th, 2023

Ask A Resident! A Panel Discussion. Sponsored by APTA-WI. Pewaukee, WI. April 27th, 2023

Dynamic Postural Control in Injured Collegiate Cross-Country Runners is Not Associated with Running-Related Injury. Sponsored by APTA-CSM 2023 Platform Presentation. San Diego, CA. February 24th, 2023

A Deeper and Clinical Look into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Sponsored by APTA-WI. WI via Zoom. March 16th, 2021

 

Poster Presentations:

Zavala P, Vannatta CN, Rutherford DN, Kernozek T. Examination of Dynamic Postural Control in Injured Collegiate Cross Country Runners. Gundersen Medical Education Academic Day, USA 17 May 2022

Deuel D, Lucre M, Zavala P, Steinkamp L. Applying Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to Address Health Inequities. American Physical Therapy Association-Wisconsin 2021 Virtual Spring Conference, USA 15-16 April 2021

Zavala P, Felming S, Jones M, Oliver J, Jagim A. The effects of 8 weeks of bio-active peptide supplementation on training adaptations in recreational male weight lifters. 31st National Conference on Undergraduate Research, Memphis, Tennessee, USA 6-8 April 2017

Kreutzer A, Zavala P, Felming S, Jones M, Oliver J, Jagim A. The effects of 8 weeks of colostrum and bio-active peptide supplementation on body composition in recreational male weight lifters. Thirteenth International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Conference and Expo, Clearwater Beach, FL, USA 9-11 June 2016